Right to be forgotten: European instruments to protect the rights of cancer survivors

Background and aim: Cancer survivors, even many years after their illness, are often excluded or discriminated against when they apply for loans, insurance coverage, child adoptions, and other aspects of social life. Methods: The authors conducted a search on the PubMed database using the keywords “cancer survivor” and “right to be forgotten,” also accounting for national and international legal, judicial and regula-tory sources. The aim of the study is to analyze the scope of the phenomenon and identify suitable tools to counteract this discrimination. Results: Several European countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and Italy, have implemented laws specifically addressing the “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors. This legal recognition stems from advancements in scientific research that have reduced cancer mortality and morbidity. These laws grant individuals the right not to disclose their past illness after a certain period of time after recovery, even when applying for financial and insurance services. The European Union has encouraged other states to enact similar legislation to ensure uniform protection for cancer survivors. Conclusions: The regulations that ere put in place by some European countries currently pro-vide essential support to cancer survivors, by facilitating access to insurance and financial products otherwise unavailable. However, relying on the expectation that scientific advances in cancer research will go forward, it is possible to envisage a future in which, regardless of regulations, the market itself will adjust and no longer discriminate against cancer survivors.